The Invitation

 When we look at the story of the call of Nathanael (the Apostle believed to be Bartholomew). We see the importance of the invitation. “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). Jesus found Philip (1:43) and Philip found Nathanael. Notice what Philip said to Nathanael: we have found the one of whom Moses in the law and the prophets wrote. It is Jesus. His invitation came with a proclamation and a reference. All the Jews looked forward to the Messiah that was to come. Philip did not keep it to himself. He went and found Nathanael and told him the truth that Jesus is the Messiah, the one foretold. 

    Nathanael’s response was one of skepticism. “And Nathanael said unto him, Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see ( John 1:44). He had his own biases that Jesus might not be the One because of the location from which He came. Philip was undeterred; he said come and see. So upon coming to the place where Jesus was, the Lord said, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! ( cf. John 1:47). Jesus knew Nathanael; Nathanael could not place how this is possible. Had they met? He could not remember such an occasion so he asks Jesus how He knew him (cf. Jn 1:48 ). Jesus reveals He saw him while he was sitting at the fig tree before Philip invited him. For Nathanael, this was astonishing; this was all the proof he needed to believe that the Lord was as advertised by Philip.  “Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel (John 1:49).”

    Do you see how important one invitation is?  There are many out there that are waiting for the invitation. Sure, there will be many skeptics, but skeptics still come. Look at Nathanael. There will be many who will be enemies of the Lord’s people. Look at Paul, enemies can become great missionaries for the Lord. It starts with His church fulfilling the great commission to teach, baptize, and teach (cf. Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:19-20). Who can you invite today?

Grace and Peace, 

R.D. Beavers